Manhole covers can be found in cities throughout the world, and are typically not given a second thought. After all, these unobtrusive, circular covers lead to underground infrastructure, which to most people is out of sight, out of mind. But manhole covers can actually be attractive and interesting, and are sometimes custom-designed and even whimsical. They also have an extensive history.
Beginning around 3500 BCE, stone slabs or wood pieces were first used to provide access to covered trenches that carried sewage away from cities, and this basic design was utilized until around 1850 CE, when the modern manhole was developed to provide access to then-emerging water and wastewater infrastructure. Since that time, manhole covers, which are typically round and weigh up to 300 lbs. each, have been manufactured from cast iron and haven’t changed much.
While many manhole covers are basic, with either no verbiage or a one word, generic label such as “sewer,” there are some unsung treasures throughout the country that are quite eye-catching. Below, we have listed 25 unique manhole covers from all areas of the country, and we encourage you to also go “drainspotting” the next time you find yourself walking city streets. You may be surprised at what you find, so be sure to let us know in the comments if you find any unusual or interesting covers. Enjoy!
This manhole cover from gold mining town Bisbee, Arizona features a mining cart filled with gold nuggets
Desert town Peoria, Arizona has a cactus and the sun on its manhole coversThis manhole cover from Phoenix, Arizona sports its namesake, a phoenixMcCloud, California is located in the northern part of the state, nestled at the base of Mt. Shasta, which is featured on its manhole coverThe town seal for Chattanooga, Tennessee, which includes the cannon located on Lookout Mountain overlooking the town, is featured on this manhole coverThe artsy, historic district in the town of Denver, Colorado features a hand-drawn design on its manhole coversMickey Mouse adorns the manhole covers found in Disneyland, CaliforniaThis manhole cover in the City of Jacksonville, Florida, named for Andrew Jackson, features the seventh President of the United States riding his horseThe City of Hollywood, Florida illustrates its tagline, Diamond of the Gold Coast, on this manhole coverThis brightly painted manhole cover featuring a pelican adorns the sidewalk of St. Petersburg, FloridaIn an effort to keep their environment clean, the City of Hutchinson, Kansas chose to emblazon a fish with the message “No Dumping” on its manhole coversStaying true to its roots, New Orleans, Louisiana has a somewhat magical manhole cover Photo courtesy PDPhoto.orgIn 2006, Albuquerque, New Mexico replaced many of their manhole covers with this decorative design in commemoration of their tricentennial celebrationThis plain manhole cover emblazoned with “Boston Sewer” sits amid a cobblestone street in the historic city of Boston, MassachusettsThis artistic manhole cover adorns a street in Detroit, Michigan; photo courtesy of Michele OberholtzerDuluth, Minnesota’s manhole covers on Bob Dylan Way pay tribute to the City’s most famous sonMinneapolis, Minnesota, known as the “City of Lakes” and known for its fishing, has manhole covers adorned with aquatic life and underwater vegetationThis visually pleasing manhole cover in Louisville, Kentucky was adapted for use as cover art for the book “Manhole Covers” by Mimi MelnickThis manhole cover Omaha, Nebraska celebrates some of the City’s historyWhile these manhole covers in front of the Music School in New York City are nondescript on their own, the artwork tying the two together is both creative and playfulThis manhole cover in Erie, Pennsylvania is extremely detailed with historical illustrationsGatlinburg, Tennessee chose to showcase a squirrel on its manhole coversThis manhole cover in St. George, Utah features some rustic artworkSwirling illustrations of waves, marine life, and swimmers adorn this manhole cover found in Seattle, WashingtonIn 2012, this manhole covering Norfolk, Virginia was brought to the attention of local government due to its misspelling of the City’s name; the manhole cover has since been replaced
3 thoughts on “25 Unique Manhole Covers in the U.S.”
You are absolutely right! Thanks for the heads up on this little bit of unique history right here in New England. The fact that they point in the direction of the flow makes them even more interesting. Thanks again!
I thought I was the only one who paid attention to this art that so often goes unnoticed?. Being in the Water / Waste Water Industry, I always notice manhole covers. I see you have my hometown on this list (Hollywood, Florida) and one from Disney (I always notice they have unique covers as well). I also notice that cities that host Olympic Venues (such as Salt Lake City, Utah) often have commemorative covers. I’ll be sharing this on my companies blog. Thanks!
Comments are closed.
Let's stay in touch.
Get the latest news, blogs, and insights conveniently in your inbox.
You left out the truly unique triangular manhole covers of Nashua,NH. See https://www.drainspotting.com/mirror/nhtelegraph-2003-11-26/
You are absolutely right! Thanks for the heads up on this little bit of unique history right here in New England. The fact that they point in the direction of the flow makes them even more interesting. Thanks again!
I thought I was the only one who paid attention to this art that so often goes unnoticed?. Being in the Water / Waste Water Industry, I always notice manhole covers. I see you have my hometown on this list (Hollywood, Florida) and one from Disney (I always notice they have unique covers as well). I also notice that cities that host Olympic Venues (such as Salt Lake City, Utah) often have commemorative covers. I’ll be sharing this on my companies blog. Thanks!